Runny make-up, smudged eye-liner, chapped lips, dry skin, body odour (BO), grimy hair, and beads of sweat galore (sigh). Now that the weather is sweltering, it looks like our skin is in for a beating. But there are plenty of ways to beat the heat and take care of your skin and body, say leading skin care specialists.
Sunscreen
“In this weather there is a high probability of skin getting tanned, which in turn damages its texture. Moreover, because of high humidity, you are bound to get Miliria (heat boils), which can cause fungal infection. Therefore it is important that you take care of your skin,” says Dr. Rajesh Nair of the Skin Care Clinic. He suggests drinking as much water as you can (at least eight glasses, more if possible) and, most importantly, slathering on sunscreen on every exposed part of the body.
“This summer don't even think of stepping outside the house without applying dollops of sunscreen, especially on the face – with the maximum SPF (Sun Protection Factor) possible, the better. You should take care to apply the cream at least 15 minutes before going out,” says beautician Usha Koshy of Eves Beauty Parlour.
“Then again don't get worked up in case you do get caught in the sun without protection. As soon as you get home wash your face with soap and water and then apply a face pack of curd mixed with a pinch of turmeric powder for about 20 minutes. Curd with its mild bleaching effect and turmeric with its medicinal properties, help lighten the tan and rejuvenate the skin,” she adds.
Precautionary measures for taking care of your skin in this heat, though, should ideally follow a regimen. “For anyone above 25, it's important to take care of the skin during day and night. Not only does it rejuvenate the skin but it also prevents drying of the skin, wrinkles, ageing and the like,” says Anila Joseph of Anila Joseph's Beauty Care Solutions. Her suggestions for easy-at-home measures include washing the face every so often (use soap only once or twice), massaging the body with a light moisturising lotion after the nightly shower.
The beautician also recommends going in for pedicures to take care of grimy feet, which is bound to occur due to excessive sweating. And for those who wear socks, she suggests sprinkling a bit of body powder and talcum powder on the feet before pulling on the socks. It locks in the moisture and prevents smelly feet. BO is another major problem that people face in this weather. All the skin experts recommend bathing at least twice a day. “Just as you end your bath, pour in a couple of teaspoons of eau de cologne or even fresh lime juice into half a bucket of water. Although you can't prevent sweat this will go a long way in controlling BO,” suggests Anila.
Hair care
Hair care is also vital during this time. Says Sukumaran of Brut: “Sweat can build up grime, cause hair fall and dandruff too. So ensure that you wash your hair daily and condition with fresh thaali (hibiscus leaves) and/or freshly ground shikakai. Also, it is not advisable to use styling gels for it will make the hair greasy.” And yet another easy to do therapy to cool your body down, according to Usha, is to place cotton dipped in ice-cold water over your eyes and relax.
So people, all it takes is a little bit of TLC to beat the heat.
QUICK TIPS
Hair
Wash daily with thaali and/or ground shikakai
Eyes
Dip cotton in ice-cold water and place it over the eyes and relax for 20 minutes
Face
Wash face at least five times a day
Apply sunscreen
Wipe with cotton dipped in coconut water
Body odour
Pour two teaspoons of eau de cologne into half a bucket of water while bathing
Heat boils
Dab on cooling lotions such as Calamine
